Veteran reform group has 16 members nationwide
A Melbourne veteran with 38 years of Army service has been appointed to a 16-member advisory group set up to help inform national veteran reform.
Robert Jericevich is one of the inaugural members of the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner’s Advisory Group, which brings together veterans, serving Defence Force members, family representatives and experts from across Australia. The Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission said the group is intended to inform its work on veteran and family wellbeing.
The group held its inaugural meeting in Canberra on 7 August 2026. Members were briefed on two in-progress inquiries – the Access to Information Inquiry and an inquiry into the Australian Government’s response to the Royal Commission’s recommendations – as well as preparations for a Military Sexual Violence inquiry due to commence later in 2026.
Issues raised at first meeting
At that meeting, members discussed support for transition from military to civilian life, continuity of healthcare, interactions with civilian justice systems and barriers to help-seeking linked to mental health stigma. The group also discussed the government’s implementation of the 135 Royal Commission recommendations, including veterans’ experiences accessing healthcare and the proposed $5,000 cap on allied health services.
Jericevich served in the Australian Army for 38 years and reached the rank of Warrant Officer Class One, Regimental Sergeant Major. He served in East Timor, Solomon Islands and Afghanistan, and in domestic responses including COVID-19 and Bushfire Assist.
Jericevich said his own experience navigating DVA after medically separating due to a work-related illness had been frustrating. “I don’t want to be part of a talk fest, I am here to get things done. And that was the general feeling across the group. Action is exactly what the veteran community deserves.”
The advisory group will meet again in December 2026. The Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission’s first progress report on the government’s response to the Royal Commission is due by 5 February 2027.
